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Topic: LRPV 178-204 (Read 6146 times)

Thought you may be interested in seeing some photos of my latest acquisition and restoration of LRPV Mk3 178-204.

204 was sold at disposal auction January 1991. Note rare Thomas winch setup. Unfortunately, this was removed sometime after disposal.

178-204 can be seen here awaiting disposal late 1990. 204 is the second LRPV from the left.

Photo of 204 in private hands just after auction. It still retains original camouflage. Note 'in service' dents to guard and rear corner in this photo (and one above).

The next lot of photos show 204 as it is today. Vehicle is currently licenced and operational. I have refurbished, primed and painted this Land Rover in authentic colours and pattern to represent the vehicle when it last served with the SASR. I have also added the PSP mats to front holders and kitted it out with correct radio and other gear. I have kept all the 'in service' dents as I feel that they are part of the character of the vehicle. The LRPVs were not treated well by the SASR and were subject to much denting and scratching from the extreme environments that they were used in. I spent much time 'aging' the vehicle so that it did not appear factory new and false looking.

178-204.

Photos of LRPVs Mk2 174-323 and 178-204 together for the first time. You will notice how 204 appears bigger than 323. This is due to the larger bolt on parts and the stronger (and higher) spring settings.

Nice to see them together. About the winch, I know it wouldn't be quite original, but the Thomas PTO were common fittings for civilian SIII and SIIa, so perhaps you can find one off one of those abd retrofit it onto the LRPV?.

A while ago someone on this forum posted up the photo shown below. Interestingly, the fellow in the photo is sitting in none other than 178-204. Apart from the fact that the LRPV is a Mk3, you can identify 204 by the black spray paint at the top of the side brush deflection guard. If you compare this paint with the first photo in this thread you will notice that they are one and the same.

Thanks for your great hospitality Tommy, it was great to put a face to the name on the net, and terrific to have a look at your LRPV collection.

As for that video, , I got to drive a bit of history there, (and it drove very well too) and I was very impressed with the way you managed to hold the camera and play the harmonica at the same time...........